The semi-open anechoic chamber of the MBB antenna test facility

The MBB antenna test facility designed for measurements on aerospace antennas tested either on full scale or scaled down models is described. The heart of the main test range is the anechoic chamber with inner dimensions of 8.8 m x 8.6 m x 8.3 m. There measurements can be made in the frequency range of about 120 MHz to 30 GHz. A thin dielectric awning, transparent for electromagnetic waves, closes the chamber at one side. With this semi-open anechoic chamber both requirements can be met: measurements on aerospace systems without dependence on weather conditions, and higher measuring distances than in closed anechoic chambers; the distance can be chosen up to 80 m, in special cases even more. Measurement results are recorded on punched-tape and computer evaluated when required.